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The Houston Police Department's 5,300 officers are heading for a historic makeover — ditching their iconic 1960s-era uniforms for a more rugged style suited for working the streets, according to city and union officials.

In addition to studying a change in duty uniforms, HPD leaders are considering a redesign of badges that could incorporate a tracking microchip. Discussions also are under way about replacing another high-visibility HPD trademark: The white cruisers with blue lettering could give way to black-and white patrol cars, said Gary Blankinship, president of the Houston Police Officers' Union.

Officially, the HPD had little to say about a topic on which most police hold strong opinions.

"The chief has approved the concept of moving to new uniforms," Executive Assistant Chief Tim Oettmeier said in a statement. "However, additional research is being conducted before any action of any kind is taken."

Oettmeier said the research includes determining whether the uniform change could be worked into the department's budget.

HPD was forced to reduce its operating budget by $23 million and lay off 150 civilians in the current budget.

Houston police officers receive a $2,000-a-year equipment allowance to purchase such necessary items as guns, ammunition, flashlights and shoes, but they are provided uniforms by the department. Officers who must wear plain clothes for their assignments get an $800 annual uniform allowance.

"It's way down the road," said HPD spokeman John Cannon, who stressed that budget concerns will dictate the timing of the uniform change. "It's in the conceptual stages."

In the past two weeks, according to Blankinship, Police Chief Charles McClelland was shown a number of proto­type designs and referred them to a uniform committee.

Part of the impetus for a change in the uniform is that many officers favor a more rugged, military-style BDU - or Battle Dress Uniform - in a dark navy color. Modern synthetic fabrics, which currently are a blend of polyester and wool, allow for a cooler uniform.

Generational split

"The younger officers wanted a little more tactical, user-friendly uniform for running and tackling people," Blankinship said. "You don't go to a fight in a suit. If you're going to have to engage someone, chase someone, why not wear clothing more appropriate for the situation?"

He said HPD officers have been polled in the past, but that no clear favorite has emerged. There seems to be a generational split, he said, with older officers preferring the traditional sky-blue shirts and dark navy pants with embroidered piping down the side, while younger officers like the new-style BDUs.

"When the polls were conducted, more of your night shift, the younger officers, seemed to lean toward darker uniforms. Your officers who work in the day shifts tend to like the lighter color," the police union official said.

The uniforms currently worn by the department include a custom-made military-style, light blue shirt with scalloped pocket flaps and epaulets. Officers have a choice of the traditional uniform pants, or a BDU-type.

Vernon Fox, owner of Lone Star Uniforms in Houston, said HPD is wear-testing a 100 percent cotton trouser that has large internal cargo pockets. It gives the officers more room to store equipment while maintaining a more formal look, part of an effort to find a uniform that can be purchased off-the-shelf and that strikes a balance between an authoritative look and the utility of a BDU.

Focus on saving money

HPD is attempting to upgrade its officers' uniforms with lighter and cooler synthetic materials that will wear longer and not fade, Fox said, adding that the department is focused on saving money.

"I think Chief McClelland has the officers at heart, and it's time to put down the custom-made stuff and move on to something that's readily available, off-the-shelf," Fox said, adding that it would make it easier for HPD to keep uniforms in stock.

HPD also is considering a makeover of the department badge so all members of the force can be identified by the public by the number on their badges. Currently, officers lose their badge numbers when they promote to the rank of sergeant or above.

The prototypes under consideration include a large badge that has a miniature of the existing HPD badge set inside an eagle.

The badges under consideration can be upgraded with security features, including a locator microchip, Blankinship said.

HPD also is evaluating a transition to a black-and-white patrol unit, he said, noting that some automobile manufacturers are now offering police vehicles in only one basic color scheme.

"It's a cost-saving thing," Blankinship suggested. "The manufacturers are really trying to push everybody into one style. They're wanting to push people into one standard police vehicle. It's most cost-effective for the manufacturers."